Chalk FarM imitates Better Than Ezra's sound, if not its platinum rise through the modern-rock ranks with a similar brand of alterna-pop played by similarly videogenic guys. Notwithstanding is the debut album from Chalk Fa... more &raquorM, an L.A.-based quartet led by singer/songwriter/guitarist Mike Duff, who shares the vocals and writing with his bandmates. His melodies aren't as striking as Kevin Griffin's, but he coats his angst-ridden lyrics in soaring vocal harmonies. The most played track has been "Lie on Lie," a power ballad that uses Orlando Sims's stabbing bass line to build the tension released by the anthemic chorus. --Geoffrey Himes&laquo less

Synopsis

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Chalk FarM imitates Better Than Ezra's sound, if not its platinum rise through the modern-rock ranks with a similar brand of alterna-pop played by similarly videogenic guys. Notwithstanding is the debut album from Chalk FarM, an L.A.-based quartet led by singer/songwriter/guitarist Mike Duff, who shares the vocals and writing with his bandmates. His melodies aren't as striking as Kevin Griffin's, but he coats his angst-ridden lyrics in soaring vocal harmonies. The most played track has been "Lie on Lie," a power ballad that uses Orlando Sims's stabbing bass line to build the tension released by the anthemic chorus. --Geoffrey Himes

CD Reviews

Still Visits My CD player pretty frequently...

Andy (a.k.a. Zack) | Philadelphia, PA | 09/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When "Lie On Lie" hit radio, I thought it was a really good song, and picked up this album. The fact that many other CD's I got at the time are collecting dust, while this one still gets a spin in the player once or twice a month should tell you what I think of this disc. The songs, beginning to end, are well-written, with "Don't Believe" as one of the "could-have-been-a-hit" stand outs on this disc. Not a bad song in the bunch... It's one of those CD's you can just put on and absorb yourself in, as I am now.

Their follow-up CD is called "Three 2's," and is available through TICRecords website. Do a websearch on Excite for TICRECORDS and it should come up - hunt around their site, you'll find it."

It's a meaningful album that's true to life.

07/15/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This band shows through it's music the true emotions of living. Love, fear, joy and hate, it's all there. The beats and rhythm of each song provide the perfect mode for it's content. It's powerful and profound at the same time. Everytime you listen to this album you'll hear the lyrics in a different way and something new and wonderful will be heard. Chalk Farm is headed for major success."

Best CD U've Never Heard of

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 01/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chalk Farm was published 6 years ago & the band has split. This CD is it! The music pulses with energy and rocks with abandon only to slow and touch you. "Live Tomorrow" is a thundering electric opener, "Angels spread my wings & see the fences tumble, ageless memories, they watch the strong man crumble at my feet." The CD slows for "Lesson," a soft droning melody punctuated by staccato shotgun bursts of REM-style guitar. "Lie On Lie" has an engaging melody. "I shot a man the other day; the morning sun it shined on me anyway," Michael Duff sings on the midtempo "Hey." "Lose You Now" is an intriguing rocker, "I thought everything was good; you ask me if I love you; what made you think I don't; When I'm trying to show I care, please don't ask about her." "Don't Believe" is another great rocker with a catchy chorus. "Lilly Anne" is a great song that builds into a furious climax. "It's Up to You" is softer, almost folkie, with a pretty melody, "I look for some direction & I find a woman who won't reach me." "The Girl Is Crying" thrashes followed by another softie, "Sunflower." The CD snoozes for 3 minutes before winding up with a hidden track. "Notwithstanding" is a consistently strong set of songs that has lyrical depth as well as rocks on. U snooze U lose! Enjoy!"

They're broken up but this CD's still here

kateccwallflower | Maine, USA | 02/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yeah, it's true, Chalk FarM has broken up a while ago, and I believe it happened mainly due to the lack of success that this album recieved. It deserved a lot more than it got. This is one of the best albums I own, and probably ever will. They had it. I just don't understand why it didn't work out. Buy it and wish they were still around."